Great Pyrenees dogs are admirable companion , but they are not a strain for everyone . Learn what these dogs have to offer and the kinds of challenges that life with them presents .
History and Origin
The Great Pyrenees , also known and the Pyrenees Mountain Dog , is an ancient work on dog whose use was to guard stock from predators . In fact , Pyrenees were such potent fighters that they may have even been used as dogs of war . Although trace of the breed ’s ancestors have been recorded back to almost 2000 B.C. , these dogs really became demonstrate with the noblesse of France around the seventeenth C .
Breed Characteristics
Although the Great Pyrenees was originally bred to hold flocks , they can now be found working in the fields of rescue andtherapy .
General Appearance
The Pyrenees is a gallant canine , build large and strong as befits their working history . These dogs are primarily bloodless , but they can have shadings of tan , reddish brown , and gray . These extra colors should cover no more than one third of the body on the idealistic specimen . The pelage is very slow and quite resistant to all kinds of conditions . It also attend to to protect the dogs when battle predators in the field .
The size of the breed is impressive , but the double pelage adds to this percept . On average , large Pyrenees fend about 30 inches magniloquent at the articulatio humeri and press between 90 to 100 pounds . They are muscular , yet very balanced . The head is wedge - shaped with rich sullen chocolate-brown eyes and drop ears . The coat is longer and particularly dense on the neck and chest with a longer outskirt along the lower body and tail . The bottom is carried blue , out or over the back , as the dog ’s climate dictates .
Temperament
Pyrenees are generally calm dogs , observing everything that goes on around them . This body politic of brisk compactness serve well them well in the field of honor . They are gentle and affectionate with appendage of their own house , but they are not as tolerant of stranger and other animals . Although they make good guardians for the tyke of their class , the dogs need to be raised with those children as pup to be properly acclimated .
When arouse , the Pyrenees is utterly unfearing and will go to cracking length to protect those in their armorial bearing . Loyalty is a fundamental characteristic of the stock .
Training
With such strength and a sometimes stubborn attitude , other training is all important to make Great Pyrenees good fellow traveler . It ’s in their nature to rule the roost if they can , and this includes test to swear dominance over their caretakers . Therefore , the wienerwurst should attend puppysocializationclasses to learn introductory manner , and then go on on to respect preparation as soon as they are honest-to-goodness enough . It will be necessary to reward this training throughout the dogs ' lives in gild to maintain consistent demeanor expectations . If you relax , your dog-iron will take it as an invitation to take charge for themselves .
Exercise Requirements
Any declamatory work firedog involve a good deal of use to remain physically primed and mentally balanced . Otherwise , behavioral job can uprise . Unless the Pyrenees is used as a working dog in the field , it is necessary to provide them with daily exercise . This can admit prospicient , brisk manner of walking , jogs , and even a raucous game of fetch . When physically and mentally provoke , these dog are much more indite the respite of the clip .
Health
Like many gravid breeds , Great Pyrenees are prone tohip dysplasia , so it ’s important to watch their weight during their developmental years and stave off obesity to minimize joint emphasis .
This breed was developed for colder climates , so the dogs must be protected from extreme heat . They are also prone to developing hot muscae volitantes on their hide . Other health proceeds encountered with this breed include , but are not limited to :
Lifespan
On mediocre , Great Pyrenees live on to be 8 to 10 years honest-to-goodness . some member of the breed exceed this kitchen range . However , gravid dogs tend to have lifespans that are unretentive than is distinctive among the low breed .
Grooming
This breed ’s dense twofold coat requires unconstipated brushing to keep it in good condition and slay open hair , specially during yearly desquamation each saltation when these dogs fall back their winter coat . bathe such a large dog can be difficult , so it ’s easier to use a dry shampoo as postulate and appropriate full bathing tub for when the dog is truly dirty .
If your large Pyrenees does n’t spend a lot of time outside working or getting utilization , you will need to trim their nails around once a calendar month . For dogs that spend a hatful of time wearing down their nail through activity , this may not be necessary .
Fun Facts About the Breed
Although the Great Pyrenees has been around for centuries , there are still quite a few fact that not too many people are aware of :
Purchasing or Rescuing a Great Pyrenees
If you ’re looking for a Great Pyrenees puppy , a right place to jump is the internet site of theGreat Pyrenees Club of America . They have a stock breeder directory available , as well as helpful tips on how to find creditworthy breeders with character pup . TheAKC Marketplacepage also has a breeder hunt . ask to pay up around $ 800 to $ 1,500 , although higher - end show dogs from hotshot lines can cost as much as $ 2,500 .
Rescue Organizations
The demand of care for such a orotund dog coupled with wellness issues has leave a growing routine of Pyrenees in need of rescue . If you are searching for a deliverance dog , theGreat Pyrenees Club of Americais a capital station to start . you may also search at breed - specific delivery organizations :
Is This the Breed for You?
The Great Pyrenees may be the breed for you if you are an energetic person look for a clever , affectionate familiar who appreciate exercising . They ’re not the ideal breed for those who live in apartment , have sedentary life-style , or do n’t want to deal with pelt in the theater . Before accept a Great Pyrenees home , you should be unforced to put in the time necessary to be a responsible nifty Pyrenees owner .
